St. Ludmila

Saint Ludmila (Circa 860 - September 15, 921) is a Roman Catholic saint and martyr. She was born in Mělník, the daughter of a Slavic prince. Saint Ludmila was the grandmother of Saint Wenceslaus, who is widely referred to as Good King Wenceslaus.

Ludmila was married to Borivoj I of Bohemia, who was the first Christian Duke of Bohemia. The couple was converted to Christianity around 873. Their efforts to convert Bohemia to Christianity was initially not well received, and they were driven from their country for a time by the pagans. Eventually the couple returned, and ruled for several years before retiring to Tetin, near Beroun.

The couple was succeeded by their son Spytihnev, who ruled for two years before he died. Spitihnev was succeeded by his brother Vratislav. When Vratislav died in 916, his eight year old son Wenceslas I became the next ruler of Bohemia. It was mainly Ludmila who raised her grandson.

Wenceslaus' mother Drahomira became jealous of Ludmila's influence over Wenceslaus. She had two noblemen murder Ludmila at Tetin, and part of Ludmila's story says that she was strangled with her veil. Initially Saint Ludmila was buried at St. Michael's at Tetin. Sometime before the year 1100 her remains were removed to the church of St. George at Prague, Czech Republic.

Saint Ludmila is venerated as a patroness of Bohemia. Her feast day is celebrated on September 16. She is considered to be a patron saint of Bohemia, converts, Czech Republic, duchesses, problems with in-laws, and widows. She was canonized shortly after her death.